Catalan giant sculptors maintain a centuries-old tradition that combines artistic vision with deep emotional connection.
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These master craftspeople create the towering figures that dance through Catalonia’s festivals, with each sculpture representing months of painstaking work and personal investment.
Catalan Giant Sculptors Preserve Ancient Techniques
Ramon Aumedes of Granollers represents the older generation of Catalan giant sculptors, having dedicated 41 of his 75 years to the craft.
His workshop, Taller Sarandaca, contains hundreds of creations from his career. “When there was no internet, these served as our catalogue,” he explains, gesturing to the replica figures lining his walls. Furthermore, he maintains strict confidentiality about new commissions, refusing photographs of unfinished works.
The creative process remains remarkably consistent across generations. Initially, sculptors model figures with clay before creating moulds. Subsequently, they fill these moulds with layers of fibreglass and polyester resin. Finally, the assembled pieces receive hand-painted finishes and custom costumes. The entire process typically takes between six weeks and three months per figure.
Family Traditions and Modern Innovations
Meanwhile, in Solsona, Sessa Casserras represents the fourth generation of her family to lead their renowned workshop. After her father’s death in 2015, she abandoned her biotechnology career to study conservation and restoration. Consequently, she now dedicates herself to preserving both her family’s legacy and Catalonia’s festive imagery heritage.
The Casserras workshop maintains traditional techniques using cartró pedra (stone cardboard), a material that provides superior restoration capabilities for damaged figures. Their restoration work gained significant attention during last year’s emergency repair of Barcelona’s iconic Gegants del Pi. “We had one week and the giant was very damaged, but we managed it,” Casserras recalls of the intense media-covered restoration.
These craftspeople contribute to Barcelona’s rich cultural landscape alongside other traditional celebrations like the historic La Llotja de Mar exhibitions that showcase the city’s architectural heritage.
New Generation of Catalan Giant Sculptors Emerges
At just 27 years old, Pau Reig represents the newest wave of Catalan giant sculptors. Working from his grandfather’s converted barn outside Solsona, he has already created more than thirty pieces, primarily fire beasts and festival creatures. His recent commissions include the bee head that Manchester, guest city for Mercè 2025, displayed in Barcelona’s streets.
Reig emphasizes the collaborative nature of his work. “I love having the groups come to the workshop and developing the project together,” he explains. “Sometimes the finish isn’t as important as doing it together.” This community-focused approach reflects the essential role these figures play in local identity and celebration.
The profession faces challenges despite the cultural importance. With no formal regulated training available in Catalonia, aspiring sculptors must learn through apprenticeships and specialized courses. Nevertheless, the sector has welcomed a new generation of creators in recent years, ensuring the tradition’s continuation.
Economic Realities and Emotional Connections
Catalan giant sculptors typically work with cultural groups or local councils, with prices ranging from €6,000-14,000 for giants, €8,000-15,000 for beasts, and €2,000-4,000 for big-head figures. These costs reflect the extensive labour and material investment required for each creation.
The emotional dimension remains equally significant. As Aumedes poetically describes, “When you deliver the figure, it’s as if a child is leaving.” Reig expands on this sentiment, noting that once figures enter public life, “they stop being your children, they take on life and become part of the village.” This transformation represents the ultimate purpose for Catalan giant sculptors – creating living cultural artifacts that transcend individual artistry.
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